The Mint Museum of Art is well known for its outstanding contemporary craft collection as well as its holdings of North Carolina pottery, but a lesser known treasure of the Mint Museum is its collection of glass.  Now on view at the Randolph location, “American Glass” explores the variety and style of American glass companies with objects drawn from the Mint’s permanent collection.

“Lamp Shades” Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company in “American Glass.”

Glass objets d’art were coveted fashionable wares in the nineteenth century (as they are today), but the American glass industry did not gather steam until the end of the nineteenth century and into the early twentieth century. Companies like Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, Steuben Glass Works and Libbey Glass Company put American glass on the proverbial consumer map. “American Glass” showcases the diversity in production of the American glass industry, as well as the variety of techniques used. Three of the most arresting objets d’art in the exhibition are the three “Lamp Shades” pictured above. The colors are mesmerizing, and one can only imagine the effect they would create when lit from within.

Examples of glass works from Fenton Art Glass Company and Libbey Glass Company in “American Glass.”

The “American Glass” exhibition coordinates well with the Mint Museum’s upcoming exhibition, “Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs,” which is sure to showcase some amazing glass works. “Inventing the Modern World” opens September 22 at the Mint’s Uptown location.

Mint Museum Randolph: 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte; 704-337-2000; www.mintmuseum.org